THERE should be at least four contested elections today for places on the Policy Council. Competition is expected for the Housing, Social Security, Environment and Treasury ministers’ jobs.

New chief minister Mike Torode has made his choices which, if accepted, would see little change.

But the floor of the House has the final say and some have thrown their names into the hat to ensure elections.

Housing member Deputy Barry Brehaut looks likely to challenge current incumbent Dave Jones to lead the department.

‘I will stand from the floor of the House if the Housing minister is unopposed,’ said Deputy Brehaut.

‘I want to ensure there is an election. If Deputy Jones simply walks in without one, politicians and the electorate would be concerned about that. I think it would be healthy and appropriate to have an election.’

His move appears to have been prompted by deputy minister Mark Dorey’s decision not to contest the post.

‘I thought about it long and hard and decided not to stand for anything,’ said Deputy Dorey.

‘In terms of Housing, I have no fundamental policy difference with Deputy Jones. We’ve worked well together and I support him.’

He added that it would be difficult to take over at any other department without serving on it and still be effective in such a short period of time.

Environment will also see an inter-departmental battle for the top job.

Member David de Lisle will stand against current minister Bernard Flouquet.

‘I think environmental protection and enhancement matters need to be given a far higher profile in the States. This is fundamental in any Environment Department I have ever known across all the jurisdictions I have worked in,’ said Deputy de Lisle.

The two top men at Treasury will battle it out.

The department’s deputy minister, Charles Parkinson, has made no secret of his desire to take Deputy Lyndon Trott’s job.

Deputy Diane Lewis will challenge Deputy Mary Lowe to be minister at Social Security.

‘I feel that the message from the House on Monday was they wanted to see some measure of change.

‘Both members and the public will be disappointed if there’s no change to the status quo,’ said Deputy Lewis.

Deputy Torode is nominating Home member Geoff Mahy to take over his former job at the department.

Deputy minister Francis Quin, is seconding the choice.

After three years in the States, Deputy Mahy said he was ready to put his name forward.

‘I think we have got to combine the best of the old with the best of the new,’ he said.

Health minister Peter Roffey is the chief minister’s choice to remain in position.

Some prospective challengers have ruled themselves out.

Deputies Jonathan Le Tocq, David Grut, Mike O’Hara and Jean Pritchard will not stand.